Transforming Institutional Culture: Addressing Faculty and Staff Absenteeism in Higher Education
Resumen
Faculty and staff absenteeism continues to threaten institutional stability, academic continuity, and the overall quality of higher education institutions (HEIs). This study provides the first comprehensive empirical examination of absenteeism within Mexican HEIs, focusing on the relationship between organizational culture, leadership engagement, and workforce commitment at the Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca (UABJO). Employing a mixed-methods design that integrates quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews, the research identifies the institutional and cultural determinants that influence patterns of attendance and engagement. The findings reveal that limited leadership engagement, labor union disputes, inadequate professional incentives, and bureaucratic inefficiencies contribute to disengagement and absenteeism, while participatory governance, transparent communication, and structured recognition systems strengthen institutional commitment. The study reframes absenteeism not as an individual behavioral issue but as an outcome of governance quality and organizational culture. By situating absenteeism within the broader context of institutional reform, this research advances understanding of how leadership practices, incentive systems, and administrative structures can be strategically aligned to enhance accountability, motivation, and participation in higher education. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers and university leaders seeking to cultivate cultures of engagement and organizational trust across academic communities.
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Derechos de autor 2025 Víctor Hugo López López , Ambrocio Juárez Aracen , Viridiana Cervantes Jarquín, Rene Valdivieso Trujillo , Anibal Gallegos Santiago, Héctor de la Cruz Mendez, Javier R amírez Aguilar , Cristian Eder Carreño López
Esta obra está bajo licencia internacional Creative Commons Reconocimiento 4.0.
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